A crowd of approximately 40 residents of Spinnerstown Crossing in Milford Township said they have multiple problems with PA Turnpike plans that will bring the busy thoroughfare to their backyards.

                The residents came together Monday night to talk to the township board of supervisors and gain their support for alternate plans at the location.   

                Spokesman Dell James, a resident of the development, approached officials about growing concerns on the widening and reconstruction project of the PA Turnpike's northeast extension at the Quakertown interchange.  Residents of the Spinnerstown Crossing development are worried the turnpike widening will put the roadway too close to their homes and their families.

                The overall consensus of the group is not in opposition of the expansion but rather the need for an adaptation of the current plan that would see less of an impact on their properties and the neighboring wetlands.

                "Many of us went to the turnpike's meeting that was held recently at Pfaff Elementary and we saw the displays.  It was beyond anyone's imagination.  We were really surprised on the effect of the flood plain and wetlands," James explained.

                A portion of the development currently backs up to open space and Molasses Creek, which is a flood plain area.  The turnpike's plan is to cross over the creek and encroach onto the rear of the properties.  A sound barrier wall would also be built per the current plans; however, many residents fear depreciation in the value of their homes.

                 "We are really looking for the board's opinion on the project," James said.  "We asked the engineers at the meeting if there are other plans, they said no but the open space behind our development is township owned.  What are your plans for the open space?"

                Township Manager Jeff Vey explained that if the open space were purchased by the turnpike the same amount of open space must be replaced within the township; however, currently there has been no decision made on selling the property.

                Vey added, "Milford Township has always been about respect of other people's property.  What needs to be addressed is the best alternative or a compromise at least, not a fight."

                Board Chairman Bob Mansfield was absent from Monday night's meeting; however, acting chairman Charles Strunk agreed with Vey, adding, "I don't really like the project taking away any open space."

                Officials agreed there are other possible alternatives to the layout of the plan that need to be addressed and they will support the development's residents.

                An invitation will be extended to the turnpike's project team to attend the next board of supervisors meeting on Tues., Feb. 3 for a detailed discussion with residents.

                The PA Turnpike's website, www.paturnpike.com,  provides a list of details regarding the reconstruction project which has been in the preliminary phase since 2012.

                The total reconstruction and widening of the northeast extension is planned for the areas north of Clump Road and north of Steinsburg Road in Milford.  The roadway and bridges are to be improved and widened to three lanes in each direction on this particular section of the turnpike, per a statement on the website.

                The project also entails work at the Quakertown interchange and the replacement of several bridges over the turnpike including Upper Ridge Road, Trumbauersville Road, Route 663, Steinsburg Road and Kumry Road.

                The Spinnerstown Crossing development will see an impact with the current plans for the project as well as Molasses Creek.  Many residents said their concerns are for the creek during heavy rain and flooding that occurs in the area.

                Vey asked that at least three representatives of the development be chosen to speak with turnpike officials during the Feb. 3 meeting.